Tillerson: Trump's View on Islam Is 'Evolving'

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said President Donald Trump's thoughts on Islam are still evolving, the Washington Examiner reported.

"I think the president's views, like we hope the American people's views, are going to continue to evolve," Tillerson said.

Tiller was speaking aboard Air Force One as Trump left Saudi Arabia for Israel.

"And I think an important part of this trip, one of the takeaways, my observations — again I hope it's something that translates back, not just to the American people but to the Muslim world as well — we need to put a lot more effort into understanding one another better," he said.

Tillerson's comments came after he was asked whether the president still believes Islam "hates us," as Trump said while campaigning, according to the Examiner.

Politico noted a speech by Trump in Saudi Arabia appeared to set a moderate tone on Islam designed to reset his relationship with the Muslim world.

"We are not here to lecture — we are not here to tell other people how to live, what to do, who to be, or how to worship," Trump said

But one senior official insisted Trump's views have not softened, Politico noted.

"I would argue he toughened," the official said.

And the official pointed out Trump had urged Muslim leaders to accept responsibility for destruction caused by terrorism and choose a better future by driving out terrorists.